Get ready for a shake-up in Team USA's World Baseball Classic lineup! In a surprising turn of events, rising star Roman Anthony steps in to replace Corbin Carroll, becoming the youngest player on the roster. But here's where it gets interesting: while Anthony might not match Carroll's outfield coverage, he brings a powerhouse arm and a bat that packs a serious punch. Is this a downgrade or a strategic upgrade? You decide.
On February 16, 2026, Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony officially joined Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster, filling the spot left by Arizona Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll. Anthony, who burst onto the scene in 2025 with 71 games and a third-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting, batted an impressive .292 with eight home runs and a 140 OPS+ in Boston. His addition pairs him with Red Sox teammate Garrett Whitlock, one of baseball’s top pitchers, on the international stage.
But here’s the part most people miss: Anthony’s contract is a blockbuster. Last August, he inked an eight-year, $130 million deal with the Red Sox, with escalators potentially pushing it to $230 million. While he narrowly missed a $1 million bonus for not placing in the top two for Rookie of the Year, he could earn up to $2 million for an MVP title, $1 million for second or third place, and smaller bonuses for top-10 finishes. Talk about high stakes!
Team USA’s outfield now boasts Anthony alongside Byron Buxton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and captain Aaron Judge—a lineup that’s sure to turn heads. Born on May 13, 2004, Anthony is just 21 years old (turning 22 in May), making him the youngest player on the roster. He also holds the distinction of being the youngest Red Sox player to debut since Rafael Devers, who was 21 years and 27 days old when he first took the field.
Diving into Anthony’s stats, he slashed .292/.396/.463 last season with eight home runs. While his whiff and strikeout percentages were slightly below league average, his overall performance at the plate was nothing short of impressive. But here’s the controversial question: Can a 21-year-old with limited experience truly hold his own on the international stage, or is Team USA taking a gamble?
With Anthony’s addition, the World Baseball Classic roster is complete. Here’s the full lineup:
Pitchers:
Paul Skenes (Pirates), Tarik Skubal (Tigers), Garrett Whitlock (Red Sox), Joe Ryan (Twins), Michael Wacha (Royals), Matthew Boyd (Cubs), Garrett Cleavinger (Rays), Clay Holmes (Mets), Logan Webb (Giants), Nolan McLean (Mets), David Bednar (Yankees), Griffin Jax (Twins), Brad Keller (Phillies), Mason Miller (Padres), Gabe Speier (Mariners), and the retired Clayton Kershaw.
Catchers:
Cal Raleigh (Mariners), Will Smith (Dodgers).
Infield:
Bryce Harper (1B/DH, Phillies), Paul Goldschmidt (1B/DH, Yankees), Brice Turang (2B, Brewers), Gunnar Henderson (SS, Orioles), Bobby Witt Jr. (SS, Royals), Alex Bregman (3B, Cubs), Ernie Clement (Utility, Blue Jays).
Outfield:
Aaron Judge (Yankees), Byron Buxton (Twins), Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), Roman Anthony (Red Sox).
Designated Hitter:
Kyle Schwarber (Phillies).
So, what do you think? Is Roman Anthony the right choice for Team USA, or should they have gone with a more seasoned player? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just heating up!
